At least 20 people were killed and more than 3,000 homes were destroyed in the eastern Afghan province of Logar due to flash floods that were caused by heavy rains, officials said on Sunday (Aug. 21).
In addition to those deceased, the rainstorm that pounded parts of the province on Saturday also left more than 30 people injured, according to the provincial governor's office. According to the statement, the floods also killed approximately 2,000 livestock and ruined dozens of canals in addition to about 5,000 acres of agricultural land, mostly orchards.
Numerous Afghans perish each year as a result of floods and violent downpours, especially in rural areas of extreme poverty where poorly constructed dwellings are frequently in danger of collapsing. As stated by the United Nations, decades of conflict and poor infrastructure have made Afghans increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters.
As many people lack access to safe drinking water, health officials are worried about the growth of water-borne illnesses like cholera, which is endemic and seasonal in the area.
According to the provincial government, after their homes were destroyed, individuals were evacuated to safe regions by security personnel and charitable organizations. In a separate statement, government spokesman Bilal Karimi pleaded with the international community to offer assistance.
"We urgently request the international community ... to join hands with the Afghans at this critical time and (to) spare no effort to help the victims," Karimi said.
The country's meteorological agency predicted that in the upcoming days, heavy rainfall and flooding will continue to spread throughout 21 provinces.
Since the Taliban retook power in August of last year, foreign aid and disaster relief programs have been drastically limited. Western countries are afraid that the Taliban could seize any support and use it to tighten their hold on Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, according to the country's natural disaster management authority, flooding caused by the heaviest monsoon rains in decades killed at least 36 people in neighboring Pakistan.
Thousands of people were evacuated by rescue workers and the military, according to officials. Flooding has been particularly severe in the Balochistan and Sindh provinces. As reported by the disaster agency, Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, received 305% more rain than the annual average.
More rain is expected this week, according to forecasters. During the unprecedented monsoon season, 618 people have been killed since June. The rains and flooding have damaged over 69,874 houses, leaving thousands homeless and stranded in remote villages, according to the agency's most recent report.
